Holy Grail X2 - GBD 357 Pedigree

[ssjones]

It's been a GBD month for me. After waiting a few years for a higher grade 357, an even higher grade shows up in a week. This one was advertised as a Virgin (the seller copied the Virgin add info) but was clearly an even higher grade Pedigree. The pipe looked promising and it didn't fail to deliver. I probably can't keep the Virgin and the Pedigree, so it's decision time. The wood is better on the Pedigree (the birdseye bowl top is a show stopper) but the stem is better on the Virigin Decisions, decisions.
I've own and have restored a lot of GBD's, but this is the first Pedigree that I've ever held.
Full restoration info is here:

https://rebornpipes.com/2016/05/26/holy-grail-x2-gbd-357-pedigree-restored/
Before

After

Both 357's

 

[jefff]

Lovely...just lovely

 

[pitchfork]

Those look fantastic, Al -- stem to stummel. I really like the bend you put in the first one's stem.

 

[jefff]

I really like the top one in the last picture.

 

[lestrout]

Yo al
Exquisite work there. A fave shape and a fave brand here.
hp

les

 

[agnosticpipe]

I like the Pedigree better, and it looks a little larger too. (unless that's due to the photo) Besides, a restored Virgin is never as good as an original Virgin....

And why, pray tell, can you not keep both?

 

[ssjones]

And why, pray tell, can you not keep both?

I feel kind of like a hoarder....but trying to find a way to get past that at the moment.

 

[gloucesterman]

As always great work.

 

[papipeguy]

Wonderful pipes, Al. Just keep them; hoarding is a forgivable sin we understand.

 

[scrooge]

Al you will kick yourself you know where if you get rid of that PEDIGREE! Great finds an work.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Both beauties, nice work all around!

 

[danielplainview]

 

[jvnshr]

Amazing.

 

[voorhees]

Damn you find the fanciest pipes! Nice.

 

[markus]

Fantastic looking pipes! Great resto jobs on both!

 

[martiniman]

Very nice, still meet at the wooden match?

 

[londonmake]

Al---

Keep 'em both. Your just collecting horizontally for the moment. To continue, just get the sandblast, and rockroot... ______v~

 

[ssjones]

@martiniman: I haven't been to see the Allentown gang for a while, I'm overdue! Coincidentally, I'm working on a pipe for John this weekend.
All - I've decided that both stay for now!